Doc. No.
801
Waterborne Coatings
Most coatings manufacturers have developed waterborne color coatings to comply with European emissions requirements. Future changes in California air quality regulations are expected to lower the volatile organic compound (VOC) limits allowed in coatings and require the use of waterborne refinish coatings. Waterborne and low-VOC coatings technology continuously improves to meet the needs of the industry while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Pollution Prevention in Auto Body and Paint Shops, September, 2006
Regulatory Changes
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a suggested control measure (SCM) for automotive coatings in October 2005. The purpose of the SCM is to improve consistency and enforceability among air district rules and to achieve VOC emissions reductions beginning in 2009. The SCM serves as a model that each air district may adopt to meet the state implementation plan and California Clean Air Act requirements. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) amended their auto body coating operations rule to conform to the suggested control measure. How do the regulatory changes affect shops? Shops in some air districts will need to use waterborne or low-VOC color coats and primers to comply with the reduced VOC limits in coatings regulations that will be in effect January, 2009. Manufacturers are expected to develop automotive coatings that meet Californias strict air regulations for VOC emissions. What are waterborne coatings? The solvent in automotive coatings thins pigment solids for smooth and even application and then evaporates. Waterborne coatings contain water as the main solvent but also contain other solvents, such as glycol ethers, to improve application. These coatings are ideal primers because they have greater resistance to heat and abrasion and provide excellent adhesion. Waterborne primers and primer-surfacers have a VOC content as low as 1.2 lbs/gal.
Pollution Prevention in Auto Body and Paint Shops, September, 2006
Why use waterborne coatings? There are several advantages to using waterborne coatings: Solvent-borne coatings contain VOCs and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) including toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethyl benzene. Waterborne coatings are less toxic, have low VOC levels, and are less flammable. Their use will reduce air emissions, improve worker health and safety and may decrease insurance costs. The products may cost less than their solvent-borne counterparts and require no thinners, additives, or hardeners. Compared to solvent-borne products, less product may be needed to cover the same surface area. The pot life of the waterborne products is much longer and unused coatings can be saved in a sealed con tainer for later use. Waterborne primer is best used where solvent primer would react with existing substrate materials or coati ngs. Paint guns can be cleaned with water or water-based solutions rather than paint thinner, acetone, or methyl acetate.
How To Make It Work
Some adjustments will be needed when changing from solvent-borne to waterborne primers. You may need to purchase new spray application equipment designed for waterborne coatings. Spray guns must be lined with corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steel or plastic. Work with your vendor to try new products at low or no cost and to provide hands-on training in your shop. The curing time for waterborne coatings is much longer than that for solvent-borne coatings so you need to plan accordingly. Review your current procedures and schedule coating applications to allow for more drying time or use specialized drying equipment. For example, it may work best to apply primer to all cars and allow to dry overnight before applying the color and finish coatings the next day. Involve employees in planning your process scheduling and equipment changes. Paint Curing Technology Many large shops have installed spray booths with heating and air movement devices primarily to increase production by reducing curing time. These spray booths and drying equipment optimize flashing and curing conditions for both solventborne and waterborne coatings and will significantly reduce the time needed to cure waterborne coatings. You should consider future needs for curing waterborne and low-VOC coatings when purchasing a new spray booth or paint curing equipment. Check your local air districts permit requirements before planning to install this type of spray booth equipment. The vendor should be able to provide assistance.
Pollution Prevention in Auto Body and Paint Shops, September, 2006
Portable infrared or ultraviolet lamps may be used to considerably decrease flash and cure times after primer application. Review the paint manufacturers guidelines for using these lamps with specific products when considering this technology. Ask the equipment distributor to provide a low cost or no cost demonstration period and training before purchasing.
Training
Waterborne coatings have different viscosity than solvent-borne coatings and require different application techniques to get the best results. Allow time for painters to attend manufacturers training and practice new techniques. Encourage and provide incentives to employees to attend local pollution prevention and compliance training provided by local regulatory and business assistance groups.
Vendor Contact Information Vendor/ Manufacturer
Global Finishing Solutions USIItalia
Website
Telephone
Products
http://globalfinishing.com
800-848-8738
Spray booth, recirculating heat system Spray booth, infrared preparation bay Spray booth, curtain enclosures, infrared, UV curing lamps Paint drying system Spray booth, air movement system
http://www.usiofnorthamerica.com
877-874-6362
PFC (Northern California)
http://www.pfcequipment.com
800 922-5501
DeVilbiss JunAir Technologies
http://www.autorefinishdevilbiss.com
800-445-3988
http://www.junairspraybooths.com/frame. 302-286-6462 htm
Pollution Prevention in Auto Body and Paint Shops, September, 2006 Hazardous Waste Regulatory Requirements
For information on regulatory requirements contact your local CUPA online at: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/InformationResources/local_contacts.cfm or contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) at (800) 728-6942, http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/ContactDtsc/duty_officers.cfm To Get An EPA ID Number, Contact: DTSC Generator Information Services Unit (916) 255-1136 (800) 6186942
For additional information on auto body and paint shop pollution prevention practices and a list of available publications contact: DTSC Office of Pollution Prevention and Technology Development P.O. Box 806 Sacramento, CA 95812-0806 (916) 322-3670 (800) 700-5854 http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/index.cfm
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